Jackets journey to Class 5A Region track meet

April 25, 2012

The Starkville High School track and field team looks to continue a good run.

The Yellowjackets travel to Ridgeland today at 2 p.m. for a Class 5A Region meet.

SHS boys coach Chris Barnett feels pretty confident about his squad and believes it has the talent and confidence to compete with anyone in the state of Mississippi right now.

"I feel as confident as ever in our guys," Barnett said. "I think we have a pretty good squad that can compete with most teams in the state."
Junior Gabe Myles is coming off a good year on the gridiron and Barnett expects him to have a good showing for the track team.

"I am looking forward to Gabe Myles having another good showing," Barnett said. "He won the 100-meter dash last week and was third in the 200-meter dash. I am looking for him to do a pretty good job."

Jalen Catledge is another athlete Barnett expects to have a good day.
Catledge competes in the triple jump and will have some stiff competition in Matthew O'Neil of Calloway.

Barnett looks forward to see how Catledge handles the pressure and the competition.

"O'Neil is the kid who has jumped 48 (feet) before," Barnett said. "For (Catledge) to get to compete versus someone like that, I think it will be a good experience for him. I'm curious to see if he can step up to that competition."

The Lady Jackets are coming off their best meet at district and coach Caroline Woomer is excited to see her girls compete.

"My girls ran strong and I expect them to run strong again," Woomer said. "I feel very excited to see what they can do in the individual races."

The Maddox sisters are the two that Woomer is most excited to see, along with the relay teams.

"Kate Maddox and her sister Walker Maddox are always excited to watch," Woomer said. "My one relay team ran very well at district so I can hardly wait to watch them perform again."

There will be eight teams competing and the top four in each event advance to the North State meet.